3D Haptic-Audio Enabled Online Shopping: Development and Challenges of a New Website for the Visually Impaired

摘要

The advancement curve of Information Communication Technology (ICT) is growing rapidly over the years; it is essential to look into the application of the current technology to augment its potential benefits in the real world. One such area is how the current technology can be better adapted to contribute to the less privileged such as the visually impaired (Ⅵ) community, which is the focus of this project. While people with fully functional abilities are able to adapt to the rapid change in technology, Ⅵ individuals often stumble in this area. Due to their restricted visual abilities and heavy reliance on tactile perception which is minimized with the introduction of touchscreens, Ⅵ individuals experience difficulties in maximizing the benefits of technology. Not only that, it is also a challenge for Ⅵ individuals to navigate through websites, especially for the purpose of online shopping. This research looks at creating a new 3D haptic-audio virtual objects website to counter the internet browsing limitations of Ⅵ individuals, while enhancing their shopping experience. The challenges encountered in this process are further highlighted and discussed.